FEEL GOOD FRIDAY: Bifocals.

This morning a couple of my favorite CrossFit members bought me a coffee. Tanya and Roxane had finished their workout and, per their Friday ritual, traveled down the street for a coffee stop. Driving by the gym following their coffee drive-thru, they saw me still at the box working with a new member. Then, they took a left instead of a right and went back to the coffee shop and bought me a coffee. I was very pleased.

Later, while sitting at home drinking my delicious coffee, I received a text from another member, Sammy, who told of a kindness she had performed and she wished me a good day. Again, I was pleased that she would think of me following her kindness.

These types of events are not rare. I am blessed with good people in my life. Unfortunately, I also have problems. I have struggles and challenges and stresses and things that aren’t working the way I want. Even more unfortunate is the fact that the negative things seems to shade the good things.

Like wearing bifocals, our eyes shift between the good and bad elements of our lives. Sadly, the troubles seem to get magnified through the glass and the good stuff seems to get diminished. The sadder part of this perception is that the reverse is actually true.

We have more good than bad things. We have people and pets and roofs over our head. We have food and toilets and showers and a yard to mow. Certainly, we also have things that need some work, but our lives are flourishing with rich experiences and opportunities. It’s good to remember this…especially when it’s hard to remember this.

I will now set about making some pancakes for my wife and daughter and pass on the kindnesses delivered to me earlier. I will spread the ripple across the pond and hope for good days for the people I care about…which includes…YOU!!!

[EDITOR’S NOTE:”Feel Good Friday” is a regular column written by Des Moines resident Dave Markwell, who just published his first book called “A Feel Good Life” (buy it on Amazon here). Dave also extols to all neighbors: “Enjoy where we live. Put your feet on the pavement and truly feel how great it is to live here!” Also, you can “friend” Dave on Facebook here. Or work out with him at his exercise company Waterland CrossFit!]